The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Coolpad Cool 10A and Samsung Galaxy A13 aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, with the Coolpad prioritizing affordability and the Samsung offering a more modern chipset. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A13 is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G80 chipset, built on a 12nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Coolpad’s Unisoc SC9863A, making it more suitable for multitasking and gaming. While the Coolpad is cheaper, the A13’s improved processing power justifies the price difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, March 29. Released 2021, March 29 | 2022, June |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, July |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165 x 76 x 8.8 mm (6.50 x 2.99 x 0.35 in) | 165.1 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm (6.5 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 200 g (7.05 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | microUSB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, White | Black, White, Blue |
| Models | - | SM-A137F, SM-A137F/DSN, SM-A137F/DS |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 180 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.35 W/kg (head) 1.22 W/kg (body) |
Coolpad Cool 10A
- Likely the most affordable option.
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks.
- Simple and easy-to-use interface.
- Significantly weaker performance.
- Slower charging speed.
- Outdated chipset technology.
Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137)
- More powerful Mediatek Helio G80 chipset.
- Faster 15W charging.
- Better multitasking and gaming capabilities.
- Slightly higher price point.
- May still struggle with demanding games.
- Build quality may be similar to Coolpad.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common trait in this price bracket. However, the lack of detailed display specs necessitates focusing on the chipset's ability to drive the UI smoothly. The A13’s more powerful GPU will likely result in a more responsive scrolling experience. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, and color accuracy is unlikely to be a priority.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar in real-world usage, given the focus on affordability. Both devices likely feature a primary camera alongside basic depth or macro sensors. Without specific sensor size information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the Helio G80’s image signal processor (ISP) is more advanced, potentially leading to slightly better image processing and noise reduction in the A13. The Coolpad’s camera is likely adequate for basic snapshots, but the A13 offers a marginal advantage in image quality.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy A13’s Mediatek Helio G80 (12nm) is significantly more capable than the Coolpad Cool 10A’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). The Helio G80’s Cortex-A75 cores (2x2.0 GHz) provide a substantial boost in single-core performance compared to the Cool 10A’s Cortex-A55 cores (4x1.6 GHz). This translates to faster app loading times and smoother multitasking. The 12nm fabrication process of the Helio G80 also contributes to better power efficiency. While both are octa-core, the architectural differences are crucial; the A13 will handle demanding apps and light gaming far better.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. While the Coolpad Cool 10A’s battery capacity is unknown, the Samsung Galaxy A13’s battery size is also not specified in the provided data. However, the A13’s 15W charging is a clear advantage over the Coolpad’s 10W charging. This means the A13 will reach a full charge significantly faster, reducing downtime. The more efficient Helio G80 chipset may also contribute to slightly better battery endurance during moderate use.
Buying Guide
Buy the Coolpad Cool 10A if you need a truly basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light social media use, and your budget is extremely limited. It’s a functional device for those prioritizing absolute cost savings. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137) if you prefer a smoother user experience, occasional gaming, and a more future-proof device. The A13’s superior chipset and faster charging offer better long-term value.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Mediatek Helio G80 in the Samsung Galaxy A13 powerful enough for PUBG Mobile?
The Helio G80 can run PUBG Mobile, but likely at medium settings to maintain a stable frame rate. Don't expect to max out the graphics. The Coolpad Cool 10A’s Unisoc SC9863A would struggle significantly with PUBG, even on the lowest settings.
❓ Does the Coolpad Cool 10A support fast charging, and how long does it take to fully charge?
The Coolpad Cool 10A only supports 10W wired charging, which is relatively slow. A full charge is expected to take well over 2.5 hours, potentially closer to 3-4 hours depending on the battery capacity. The Samsung Galaxy A13’s 15W charging is considerably faster.
❓ What type of storage does the Samsung Galaxy A13 use, and is it expandable?
While not specified in the provided data, Samsung Galaxy A-series phones typically use eMMC storage in this price range. It is highly likely to support microSD card expansion, allowing you to increase storage capacity. The Coolpad Cool 10A likely also supports microSD expansion.
